Around 15.5 million women are experiencing the perimenopause – the period before a woman reaches the menopause – or the menopause in the UK. Despite this, 42% are unaware of the impact that the perimenopause and menopause can have on the body and mind.
In addition, 27% of women currently experiencing the life change still know little or nothing about its emotional or mental effects. That’s according to findings from M-Club – a new range of menopause health products created by The Body Doctor with an online community attached to it. It has teamed up with much-loved TV medic Dr Hilary Jones, who is working with it as an independent advisor.
Dr Jones said: “M-Club has come at the right time – a high 93% of women going through perimenopause or menopause admit that they want society to talk about this life stage more, while 94% say they would shop menopause labelled products. Plus, it’s sad to see that 45% of women are feeling ‘invisible’, ‘lonely’, ‘dispensable’ or irrelevant when going through the menopause. The M-Club online community is packed with information so that women no longer have to obtain information and advice through multiple sources.”
The figures come from the Gen-M UK Visibility Report 2024, where 2,010 UK women aged 35 to 60 were surveyed, alongside previous such reports carried out back to 2020.
Menopause explained with ’48 symptoms’
GP Dr Gill Jenkins said: “The menopause occurs as levels of the hormone oestrogen decline and the menstrual cycle comes to an end. Levels of testosterone also decline. This huge hormonal shift can cause a variety of physical and emotional symptoms.”
There are 48 signs of menopause, ranging from well-known symptoms such as anxiety, hot flushes and mood swings, to lesser-known indicators like dry eyes, changes in taste and smell, muscle tension and even itchy skin. These symptoms can persist for months, or even years.
The report revealed that 81% of perimenopausal women reported difficulty sleeping, 75% experienced memory and/or concentration problems, and 69% cited anxiety or depression as a symptom.
Dr Jones said: “Despite the perimenopause and menopause being such a significant part of a woman’s life, it’s concerning that 46% of women actually haven’t heard of the term perimenopause. This could indicate that while women might be experiencing symptoms, they aren’t sure why or what’s causing them, plus it only brings light to the fact that there isn’t much awareness or education around menopause.”
He added: “Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is an option for menopausal women but less than half of women in perimenopause take HRT or intend to do so. Instead, they are seeking alternative support and natural solutions. The M-Club product range and community platform are helping women to continue living life as normal.”
Physiological changes
Dr Jones explained: “A change in body temperature regulation can lead to hot flushes and night sweats. The reproductive system also undergoes significant shifts, including thinning of the vaginal walls, reduced lubrication and a decrease in fertility. Periods become irregular, until they eventually stop. Plus, hormonal changes that occur also mean bone density tends to decline, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.”
Even dry eye disease can be an issue during the menopause. Optician, clinician and a dry eye disease specialist Rosemin Mussa, from M-Club and The Body Doctor, said: “Oestrogen helps support healthy tear fluid production and a healthy tear film so as levels decline, the glands producing and secreting the tear fluid may function less effectively leading to faster tear fluid evaporation and dry, irritated and gritty eyes. Dry, irritated and gritty, eyes can be very uncomfortable.”
Emotional changes
Mental clarity and emotional challenges can also make things difficult for women going through menopause.
Dr Jones added: “Fluctuating hormone levels, particularly the decline in oestrogen, can lead to symptoms such as brain fog, forgetfulness, irritability and even difficulty concentrating, which can make a woman feel unproductive and anxious. Plus, daily tasks or professional responsibilities can be impacted.”